SPLM candidate for Western Bahr el Ghazal Governor leads preliminary results

By Ngor Arol Garang

April 18, 2010 (WUNROK) — Rizig Zachariah Hassan, an SPLM official nominee contesting gubernatorial post in the state of Western Bahr el Ghazal Bahr el Ghazal is projected as next possible governor of the state.

Results from ten polling centers in Sakadid, Grinti, Wau Naar, Zagolona, Suk Ajaar, Marial Wau, Mapel town, Udichi, Aweil Jadid and Bahr el Ghazal University campus in Wau town, show he is ahead of gubernatorial candidates from other political parties including National Congress Party (NCP) of president Bashir.

In Wau Naar, polling station, Rizig obtained 3780 votes against Steven Musa of the northern ruling NCP with 123 votes. In Marial Wau, he obtained 2871 while his rival received 18 votes. Abdullah Issa, chief polling officer at Bahr el Ghazal University, said that Rizig leads in most stations hence he gives the impression that he will comfortably sweep elections by a large margin.

The other SPLM nominees vying for parliamentary seats in the state, regional and at national level get the majority of votes in the area against other political parties candidates, Abdullah further said.

The landmark multiparty elections in the country closed on Thursday 15, amidst hopes and high expectations among accusations of fraud, irregularities and violence.

Caretaker Governor, Effesio Kon Uguak, as votes sorting and tallying process continues to be conducted in the state, told Sudan Tribune by phone from Wau, that elections in his state were conducted in a peaceful environment. “Elections were conducted under conducive and friendly atmosphere. There was no violence,” he said urging residents to remain calm and demonstrate patience throughout the exercise and beyond.

NCP figures in the region have recently accused SPLA of killing members of their party in Raja County but SPLM top officials were quick to dissociate themselves from the killing. Raja County commissioner clarified the shooting saying it had occurred in Timsah between individual SPLA soldiers over domestic dispute. He said it occurred before the elections on Saturday 10, April adding it as criminal act with no connection to SPLA and election.

Governor Uguak has called on all the citizens to keep up the same spirit they have shown during the polls after the formal release of the results by the National Elections Commission (NEC) on Tuesday 20 April 2010.

While commending spirit shown by citizens during elections, he called on political parties and their candidates to recognize and respect outcome of the polls.

Uguak appealed for tolerance since both losers and winners are citizens of the state and deserve to be treated with dignity to boost morale of peace in the region. He called on all citizens to promote peace adding “it is peace which will take us forward”.

(ST)